For 12 remote villages near China border, power is finally in sight

UPCL began laying power lines on Jan 26 this year in the Johar Valley

PITHORAGARH: For the first time since Independence, grid electricity is set to reach 12 remote migratory villages in Uttarakhand's Johar Valley near the India-China border. Residents and ITBP personnel stationed in the high-altitude region, who relied on kerosene lamps, solar lanterns and small diesel generators for nearly eight decades, will soon have access to grid power.Uttarakhand Power Corporation Ltd (UPCL) has laid a 12km power line up to Rasgadi, located around 50km from the border by road and 17km by air, with nearby Bugdiyar also expected to be electrified soon. The two migratory villages have a combined seasonal population of around 180, with residents moving to lower valleys during winter and returning in summer.Villagers use solar lanterns at night. Some families have solar lights, while others depend on small diesel generators, but these are insufficient," resident Ram Singh said.

"Kerosene was used until a few years ago, but it is no longer available."Bugdiyar also has an ITBP camp where personnel rely on solar power, Singh added. The Rs 21-crore electrification project spans 61km and will cover villages including Milam, Laspa, Martoli, Bilju, Burfu, Mapa, Tola, Ganghar, Panchu and Railkot."UPCL began laying power lines on Jan 26 this year and plans to connect all 12 villages by March next year," said DD Pangti, executive engineer of the corporation's works division.

"The project will benefit not only villagers but also ITBP personnel stationed in the area," he added. He said UPCL had planned to electrify Rasgadi and Bugdiyar on Aug 15 after completing the required tests, however, a landslide on July 30 uprooted eight electricity poles, delaying the rollout.Residents expressed hope that the development will open new opportunities in the valley. "We have been demanding electricity in Upper Johar Valley for a long time. We hope the project, along with road connectivity, will help put the region on the tourist map," said Shriram Singh Dharmshaktu, president of Malla Johar Vikas Samiti.